Croydon Pupils Reach for the Sky with Historic Satellite Launch Project

In January 2024, all-girls’ school Croydon High embarked on an ambitious journey to launch a satellite into low-earth orbit.

The project – aptly named Mission Pegasus – would make Croydon High the first all-girls’ school in the world to design, build and launch a satellite into space.

Now, Mission Pegasus is truly taking flight.

On Tuesday 1 July, the school completed the final stage of phase two.

This involved the pupil-led Astrogazers club conducting live flight testing of the prototype satellite onboard the world-class FAAM Airborne Laboratory aircraft.

Croydon High School’s Astrogazers club visited the FAAM Airborne Laboratory to complete phase two of Mission Pegasus

The girls’ satellite is a CubeSat, a compact instrument which can be as small as a Rubik’s cube.

Following Tuesday’s live flight testing, the Astrogazers have successfully retrieved data from the CubeSat, which they will analyse ahead of phases three and four.

These next steps involve building a flight-ready satellite using space-grade materials and, crucially, securing a rocket launch partner.

The CubeSat launch, which is planned for 2026/27, will mark a historic moment for both Croydon High School and female scientists around the world.

For the mission, the Astrogazers constructed a small satellite called a CubeSat

Mrs Karteepan, head of physics at Croydon High School, is also founder of the high-flying Astrogazers club.

‘This is real science, performed at the highest level,’ she said of Mission Pegasus.

‘When one of my pupils asked me “can we go to space?”, naturally I said yes.

‘Part of their success is due to the fact that they operate with all the professionalism of a real space company. They tackle setbacks head-on, ensuring nothing is left to chance.’

Head of Croydon High School, Annabel Davies, added: ‘The dedication, talent and sheer ambition of these girls is extraordinary.

‘Mission Pegasus is more than a project – it’s a statement of what girls can achieve when they are supported to aspire without limits.’

Croydon High’s Astrogazers are currently seeking sponsorship to help fund the construction of the final satellite.

The next phase of Mission Pegasus involves building a flight-ready satellite for the space mission

Croydon High School is an all-girls’ day school for pupils aged 3-18 in South Croydon, London.

It is one of the original schools founded by the Girls’ Day Schools Trust.

Discover Croydon High School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/croydon-high-school

All photos courtesy of Croydon High School.